TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – For a staggering 10th year in a row, the Florida State cross country teams will stress the importance of community service when they participate in the Across the State Relay on Saturday, Sept. 11.

“The Cross The State Relay is our men’s and women’s cross country teams running in a relay from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean,” men’s coach Bob Braman said. “It’s 126 miles that we complete in about 12 hours. It’s a wonderful fundraiser for charity – we raise $5,000 every year for the United Way of the Big Bend – but it’s also a fantastic team-building activity for our two teams.”

Both teams are asked to raise $140 through sponsorships from their high school coaches, families, friends and former employers at a dollar-per-mile.

Racing in pairs, the Seminoles maintain a pace of about 10 miles-per-hour.

Following the runners are vans with fans, family and support staff cheering on the teams.

“In the last few years, the downturn of the economy has pushed the United Way to their limit and beyond,” women’s coach Karen Harvey said. “It’s important for our team to understand that giving back to their community and helping families in need is the right thing to do.”